# How does The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane develop the theme of Religion and Hypocrisy?

> The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane by Mark Rutherford

## Answer

The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane by Mark Rutherford develops Religion and Hypocrisy across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The book contrasts genuine faith with the empty, self-serving piety of figures like Mr. Broad, showing how religious institutions in Tanner's Lane are used to enforce social conformity and ostracize those who deviate from orthodoxy.

The excommunication of George Allen exposes the hypocrisy and power dynamics within the Tanner's Lane congregation.

Zachariah's deep religious faith, his belief in predestination, and the contrast with Maitland's profane language and the crowd's misplaced loyalty to a king.

Zachariah's religious beliefs as an Independent deacon are contrasted with his exposure to the profane world of political activism, causing inner conflict.

## Evidence

- [the-revolution-in-tanner-s-lane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters/the-revolution-in-tanner-s-lane.md): The excommunication of George Allen exposes the hypocrisy and power dynamics within the Tanner's Lane congregation.
- [i-the-world-outside](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters/i-the-world-outside.md): Zachariah's deep religious faith, his belief in predestination, and the contrast with Maitland's profane language and the crowd's misplaced loyalty to a king.
- [ii-outside-pike-street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters/ii-outside-pike-street.md): Zachariah's religious beliefs as an Independent deacon are contrasted with his exposure to the profane world of political activism, causing inner conflict.
- [iii-the-theatre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters/iii-the-theatre.md): The Independents' condemnation of theatre and dancing contrasts with the characters' actual behavior and desires.
- [v-the-horizon-widens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters/v-the-horizon-widens.md): Zachariah's Calvinist piety is undermined by his attraction to Pauline, while his wife's concern for the Major's soul is tinged with social propriety rather than genuine evangelism.
- [vi-tea-la-mode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters/vi-tea-la-mode.md): Mrs. Coleman's casuistry over Sunday shopping and Zachariah's inability to apply his doctrine to his friends highlight religious inconsistency.
- [vii-jephthah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters/vii-jephthah.md): Bradshaw's sermon challenges comfortable religiosity, insisting that true election leads to suffering and sacrifice, not ease.
- [viii-unconventional-justice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters/viii-unconventional-justice.md): Joanna Southcott's failed prophecy and the taunting of Zachariah highlight the tension between religious belief and skepticism.

## Links

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